Depending on the perspective, it may be either enticing or unappealing to sit on the FIFA Executive Committee.

On one hand, the power Executive Committee — or ExCo — members have is undeniable. FIFA oversees soccer across the globe and the responsibilities of ExCo members is grand, including selection sites of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.

With such power, though, comes scrutiny, and there has been no shortage of scrutiny toward the ExCo in recent years.

Under such conditions, U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati joined the ExCo. Gulati took over the spot vacated by fellow American Chuck Blazer, beating out Mexican federation chief Justino Compean by one vote.

Gulati thus will have to deal with global criticism of the ExCo, which has had some members suspended and/or banned for life in recent years for taking bribes, and has overall been portrayed in a negative light after awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a move which drew further accusations of bribery.

Gulati, though, is not naive to the criticism and seemingly knows what he is getting himself into.

“You’ve got an institution that’s been here a long time that obviously has had a number of challenges over the last few years on governance issues and the public relations that go along with some of those governance issues,” Gulati said in a conference call Monday. “I think at the highest level there is a sincere effort to try to reform and change the organization. I think some of the things that happen show that. Clearly there needs to be a lot more done.”

Gulati has drawn quite a bit of fire within the United States for hiring Jurgen Klinsmann as national team coach. Still, having Gulati as part of the ExCo is a good thing. Gulati has been involved with MLS either directly or indirectly since the league began play in 1996. Gulati has been accessible to the media and has been as open and as transparent as possible, and would continue to do so if given the chance.

“FIFA should, in fact, disclose the compensation of directors,” Gulati said. “I would have no problem of disclosing if it’s not a violation of any provision with FIFA for directors.”

Apart from bringing a breath of fresh air to the FIFA ExCo, Gulati’s presence benefits the entire region. Gulati supports having four CONCACAF nations receive direct berths to the World Cup. Since 1998, three CONCACAF nations have gone directly while a fourth has been sent to a playoff series against a team from another confederation.

Four guaranteed spots would be a major step forward for a region whose members feel is vastly improved and continues to get stronger. Gulati said he wants to see that happen.

“Is there a push for that? The answer is yes. We’ve made that very clear,” he said. “Obviously it won’t apply for this World Cup. I think, certainly, the ability to get a fourth World Cup spot will depend partly on what happens in Brazil. If our teams are successful, that increases the likelihood of that happening.”

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